The Department of Roads and Public Works (DRPW), in partnership with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA), has officially launched a 12-month Tyre and Suspension Learnership Programme at the Teachers Training Centre in Kimberley. This youth development initiative will benefit 100 unemployed young people from across the Northern Cape Province, with 20 participants selected from each district. The programme is designed to build technical competence through the Tyre Repair and Maintenance Level 2 and Suspension Sub-Assembler NQF Level 3 skills programs.
The first cohort, comprising fourteen (14) males and six females from Frances Baard District, attended the launch, where the Head of Department, Dr. Steven Jonkers, encouraged them with a message of motivation and accountability. “This is a golden opportunity. Make the best of it. The future is in your hands. Government is committed to transforming the lives of unemployed youth,” he said. The program will be rolled out to the other Districts of the province.
Participants will receive a monthly stipend for the duration of the accredited program, which consists of 30% classroom learning and 70% practical training. Practical components will take place at the various departmental workshops, and at selected private tyre-repair companies.
This learnership represents a significant investment in youth empowerment and skills development at a time when the province continues to confront high levels of youth unemployment.
MEC of the Department, Fufe Makatong, states that the Provincial Government is committed to the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) priorities of ensuring job creation, improving the livelihoods of communities and working with partners from private sectors. “This initiative will ensure that the participants become entrepreneurs and set up their own businesses after completing the program.”
The outcome of the programme will enable learners to inspect and service tyres, perform wheel balancing, conduct puncture repairs, mount and demount tyres, diagnose undercarriage suspension, perform suspension repair and replacement, conduct steering geometry checks, and perform brake and battery checks, to name but a few skills. The Tyre and Suspension Learnership Programme provides vital, market-relevant skills in tyre and suspension maintenance, areas aligned with industry needs in vehicle maintenance, fleet services, logistics and transport.
By combining theoretical learning with hands-on experience, the programme equips participants to transition effectively into the workforce. The stipend offered further removes financial barriers to participation, ensuring that even the most economically disadvantaged young people can access training and development opportunities.
Importantly, this province-wide initiative promotes inclusive economic growth by extending opportunities across all districts, thereby reducing regional disparities and ensuring that youth from rural and township areas are not left behind.
DRPW reaffirms its commitment to youth development, economic inclusion and creation of sustainable pathways to employment. Through strategic partnerships – including ongoing collaboration with merSETA and private-sector tyre service companies they will continue to implement programs that equip young people with the skills needed to participate meaningfully in the economy of the province.
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